So I have to ask - just what is it about when people say "have a nice day?" in a provoking tone at the end of a verbal exchange? I had that happen to me today when I was headed for a study group for school - he asked me for money, I refused, he called back, "that's okay. You keep it hardcore. AND YOU HAVE A NICE DAY!" I know it was meant to provoke me, and I ignored it, but I have heard people do that many times. Is there some kind of significance to it (like when bad means good in hip hop slang), or is it just a way to provoke?

I think there is sarcasm in it ....and probably a way of feeling like having the last word...letting someone know ur done with talking to them kinda thing...

Unless of course its said sincerely

ucky-ducky (my way of saying okie-dokie) - just thought it might be something else - today was too good a day, though, to do anything but ignore it.

I always thought it was their way of saying, "Live with yourself despite the fact that you just dissed me/blew me off".

I had that happen the other night in the mall when I refused the services of yet ANOTHER kiosk worker (a previous thread I had started). He yelled after me, "U have a nice night!" I yelled back, "U too!"

chocolate1 said:

Those kiosk workers can be a royal pain in the butt. I just walk right past them, and don't even look at them.

I remember one time when my mom and I were shopping at the mall, and one of those survey takers approached my mom. I said to the survey taker something like, "My mom is not interested, and she doesn't have time right now!" The survey taker and my mom were shocked, because I was not real nice about the way I said it. Hey, I wanted to get my shopping on, not waste time with some silly survey taker. It's all about priorities!
[Edited 3/31/09 7:14am]

This thread makes me think of the Bon Jovi song, "Have A Nice Day":





this song, it kicks ass.

I put it right there with the expression "good for you". I frickin hate it. When I hear it, I actually think the person is saying "go fuck yourself" - that's how much I hate it.

The acronym is the same, G.F.Y. so I don't think I'm off about this...

I'd say, "Thanks! My money and I plan to do just that!!" and keep on walkin'...

I have to say that pretty frequently during the day. Do people like being told to have a nice day? Or is it just a formality? I've never had anyone say, "Don't tell ME what kind of day to have!", but I expect I will someday. Does anyone have a problem with have a nice day??

dannyd5050 said:

I think the point was context. Most times, it's a nice gesture.
I hate: "Smile".
Maybe I don't feel like it- I might be "going thru something" at the moment.
Or if I'm walking by myself and just smiling, U'll think I'm strange, so why would I be randomly grinning?

chocolate1 said:

Point made. It was definitely used in a sarcastic tone when used in the poster's scenario.

It's because people find the words coming out of their mouths before they are even thinking about it, and just trying to close the conversation, realizing that the phrase is played out, so they try to jazz it up WITH SOME EMPHASIS.